In the wake of a tragic shooting of nine people attending Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is reaching out to their colleague bishops in the African Methodist Episcopal Church with a message of prayer and healing.
The bishops also called upon United Methodists to support victims of violence and to work to end racism and hatred. Their message echoed that of a pastoral letter on racism issued by the Council to the people of The United Methodist Church in early May.

Even with all the challenges, I feel like ministry is the greatest job in the world. I really do. As I talk with my friends and parishioners about the struggles they face at work, I haven’t found one yet that I would really trade places with.

Gratitude can be powerful and life-changing. Research has shown that it leads to feelings of optimism and enthusiasm. Forgiveness also plays a role when it comes to gratitude. When you learn to forgive, your levels of depression, anger and stress will decrease. The beauty of gratitude is in its simplicity. What will you do today to show your gratitude?